System and Method of Generating and Using Open Sky Data

ABSTRACT

A method and system for generating and using open sky data is described. A vehicle equipped with a range-finding device travels on a road network in a geographic region. The range-finding device transmits a pulse at a given position and obtains range data associated with the position. The system uses the range data to generate data representing visibility of open sky at the given position and at other positions along the road network. For example, the system may determine transmission angles of pulses transmitted at positions that did not encounter a physical object and then use the determined transmission angles to generate data representing visibility of open sky at these positions. The system then stores the data representing the visibility of open sky. The system then associates the data representing the visibility of open sky with data representing physical features.

BACKGROUND

Navigation systems are available that provide users with variousnavigation-related functions and features. For example, some navigationsystems are able to determine an optimum route to travel along a roadand/or a pedestrian pathway from an origin location to a destinationlocation in a geographic region. Using input from a user, and optionallyfrom equipment that can determine the user's location (such as a globalpositioning system (GPS)), the navigation system can examine variouspotential routes between the origin and destination locations todetermine the optimum route.

The navigation system may then provide the user with information aboutthe optimum route in the form of guidance that identifies the drivingand/or walking maneuvers required to be taken by the user to travel fromthe origin to the destination location. The guidance may take the formof visual and/or audio instructions that are provided along the way asthe user is traveling the route. Some navigation systems are able toshow detailed maps on displays outlining the route, the types ofmaneuvers to be taken at various locations along the route, locations ofcertain types of features, and so on.

In order to provide these and other navigation-related functions andfeatures, navigation systems use geographic data. The geographic datamay be in the form of one or more geographic databases that include datarepresenting physical features in the geographic region. The geographicdatabase includes information about the represented geographic features,such as the positions of the roads, speed limits along portions ofroads, address ranges along the road portions, turn restrictions atintersections of roads, direction restrictions, such as one-way streets,and so on. The geographic data may also include information about pointsof interest, such as restaurants, hotels, airports, gas stations,stadiums, police stations, and so on.

While navigation systems provide useful information to users, therecontinues to be room for new features and improvements.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a method and system of generating and using open skydata. In one example, a method of generating data representing open skyincludes: (a) obtaining range data associated with a given position; (b)using the range data associated with the given position to generate datarepresenting visibility of open sky at the given position; and (c)storing into data storage the data representing the visibility of opensky at the given position. These steps may be repeated for variouspositions within a geographic region to generate data representing opensky in the geographic region. The data representing open sky in thegeographic region may then be used for various purposes, such as toprovide users with navigation-related functions and features.

The range data may take various forms. In one example, the range datamay include data generated by a light detection and ranging system atthe given position. In another example, the range data may include aplurality of data records, each representing attributes of a respectivepulse transmitted by a range-finding device at the given position. Inthis respect, the attributes of the respective pulse may include atransmission angle of the pulse and a distance of a physical objectencountered by the pulse. Other examples are possible as well.

The step of using the range data associated with the given position togenerate data representing visibility of open sky at the given positionmay also take various forms. In one example, this step may include: (1)analyzing the obtained range data to determine transmission angles ofpulses transmitted at the given position that did not encounter aphysical object; (2) using the determined transmission angles of thepulses transmitted at the given position that did not encounter aphysical object to determine visibility of open sky at the givenposition; and (3) generating data representing the determined visibilityof the open sky at the given position. Additionally, before generatingdata representing the determined visibility of the open sky at the givenposition, this step may include using video data associated with thegiven position to verify the determined visibility of open sky at thegiven position. Other examples are possible as well.

The step of analyzing the obtained range data to determine transmissionangles of pulses transmitted at the given position that did notencounter a physical object may also take various forms. In one example,this step may include: (1) for a given pulse transmitted at the givenposition, analyzing a data value indicating a distance of a physicalobject encountered by the given pulse; and (2) if the data value is anull, identifying a transmission angle of the given pulse as atransmission angle of a pulse that did not encounter a physical object.In another example, this step may include: (1) analyzing the obtainedrange data to identify gaps in the transmission angles of pulsestransmitted at the given position that encountered a physical object;and (2) identifying transmission angles within the identified gaps astransmission angles of pulses that did not encounter a physical object.Other examples are possible as well.

The data representing the visibility of open sky at the given positionmay take various forms. In one example, this data may include dataindicating each angle at which the open sky is visible from the givenposition. In anther example, this data may include data indicating oneor more ranges of angles at which the open sky is visible from the givenposition. In yet another example, this data may include data indicatinga distance of a physical object at each edge of each range of angles. Instill another example, this data may include data indicating avisibility rating for each range of angles. Other examples are possibleas well.

The step of storing into data storage the data representing thevisibility of open sky at the given position may also take variousforms. In one example, this step may include associating the datarepresenting the visibility of open sky at the given position with datarepresenting physical features (e.g., a road network) at the givenposition. In another example, this step may include storing into datastorage the data representing the visibility of open sky at the givenposition only if the data representing the visibility of open sky at thegiven position indicates a significant change in the visibility of opensky from a previous position. Other examples are possible as well.

The method of generating data representing open sky may also includeother features. In one example, the method may additionally includeselecting the given position based on data representing a road networkof a geographic region before obtaining range data associated with thegiven position. In another example, the method may additionally includeproviding the data representing the visibility of open sky at the givenposition to a navigation system.

In another aspect, a system may include a processor, data storage, andopen sky data entities stored in the data storage and accessible by theprocessor, where each open sky data entity represents visibility of opensky at a respective position. Additionally, the system may includeroad-network data entities stored in the data storage and accessible bythe processor, where each road-network data entity represents a roadnetwork at a respective position, and where the open sky data entitiesand the road-network data entities are associated based on position.Additionally yet, the system may include program instructions stored inthe data storage and executable by the processor for using the open skydata entities to perform various functions, such as to determine anavailability of GPS signals at one or more positions, an availability ofradio signals at one or more positions, and/or exposure to weatherconditions at one or more positions.

In yet another aspect, a tangible computer readable medium may have datastored thereon including: (1) open sky data entities each representingvisibility of open sky at a respective position; and (2) geographic dataentities each representing a geographic feature at a respectiveposition, where the open sky data entities and the geographic dataentities are associated based on position.

These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detaileddescription, with reference where appropriate to the accompanyingdrawings. Further, it is understood that this summary is merely anexample and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a map of a geographic region;

FIG. 2 shows a vehicle with data collection equipment that is capable ofcollecting data about the geographic region of FIG. 1, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 3 is rear view of a light detection and ranging system operating inthe vehicle of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device configured to generategeographic data, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method of generating open sky data,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a geographic database, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 7 shows some of the components of a road segment data record and anode data record contained in the geographic database of FIG. 5,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a visual representation of stored open sky data for a roadsegment, according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a navigation system, according to anexample embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example embodiments described herein may determine and generate datarepresenting the visibility of the open (i.e., unblocked or partiallyblocked) sky from various positions on the earth, such as positions onroads or pedestrian pathways or at points of interest. In this respect,the example embodiments may define not only the visibility of the opensky straight above a position, but also the visibility of the open sky(and, thus, the horizon) at all angles from the position. The exampleembodiments may also use the data representing the visibility of theopen sky for various purposes, such as to determine GPS satellitereception, radio reception, and/or exposure to weather conditions (e.g.,exposure to sun, rain, or snow) at various positions.

It should be understood that the arrangements described herein are setforth for purposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g.,components, interfaces, functions, orders of functions, etc.) can beused instead, some elements may be added, and/or some elements may beomitted altogether. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat many of the elements described herein are functional elements thatmay be implemented as discrete or distributed components or inconjunction with other components, and in any suitable combination andlocation. Still further, various functions described herein as beingperformed by one or more entities may be carried out by hardware,firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions may becarried out by a processor executing a set of program instructionswritten in any suitable programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java, etc.)and stored in memory.

I. Data Collection

FIG. 1 shows a map 10 of a geographic region 12. The geographic region12 may correspond to a metropolitan or rural area, a state, a country,or combinations thereof, or any other area of comparable size. Locatedin the geographic region 12 are physical features, such as roads, pointsof interest (including businesses, facilities, etc.), pedestrianpathways (e.g., sidewalks, bike paths, etc.), lakes, rivers, railroads,and so on.

FIG. 1 also includes an enlarged map 14 of a portion 16 of thegeographic region 12. The enlarged map 14 illustrates part of the roadnetwork 18 in the geographic region 12. The road network 18 includes,among other things, roads and intersections located in the geographicregion 12. As shown in the portion 16, each road in the geographicregion 12 is composed of one or more road segments 20. A road segment 20represents a portion of the road. Each road segment 20 is shown to haveassociated with it two nodes 22; one node represents the point at oneend of the road segment and the other node represents the point at theother end of the road segment. The node 22 at either end of a roadsegment may correspond to a location at which the road meets anotherroad, i.e., an intersection, or where the road dead-ends.

In order to provide navigation-related functions and features in thegeographic region 12, a party (e.g., a map developer) may first collectdata about the geographic region 12. In this respect, the party may usevehicles traveling along the road network 18 of the geographic region 12to collect data about the geographic region 12. It should be understood,however, that the party may additionally or alternatively employ othersystems and methods to collect data about the geographic region 12(e.g., data collection equipment affixed to a tripod or carried bypedestrians, vehicles traveling on pedestrian pathways, etc.) that arewithin the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 shows a vehicle 30 with data collection equipment 32 that iscapable of collecting data about the geographic region 12, according toan example embodiment. As shown, the data collection equipment 32includes a range-finding system 34, an image-capture system 36, apositioning system 38, and a communication interface 40, eachoperatively coupled to a processor 42 and data storage 44. The datacollection equipment 32 may include other components as well. Thecomponents of the data collection equipment 32 may be arranged invarious manners. In one aspect, components may be physically separatefrom one another, in which case the components may be linked togethervia a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism. In anotheraspect, components may be physically integrated together in whole or inpart. Many other configurations are possible as well.

The range-finding system 34 may function to scan and generate range datarepresenting an area surrounding the vehicle's position. In thisrespect, the range-finding system 34 may continuously generate rangedata as the vehicle 30 travels along the road network 18. Therange-finding system 34 and range data may take various forms.

In one embodiment, the range-finding system 34 may take the form of alight detection and ranging (LIDAR) system that uses laser pulses toscan the area surrounding the vehicle's position, such as a HDL-64Esystem manufactured by Velodyne Lidar Inc. or an LMS2xx systemmanufactured by SICK AG. The LIDAR system may transmit laser pulsesradially in various directions from a reference point on therange-finding system 34. For example, the LIDAR system may transmitlaser pulses at a nearly continuous range of angles (e.g., every 0.1°)in one or more two-dimensional spaces (e.g., planes). In this respect,the LIDAR system may include a bank of laser transmitters (e.g., 64transmitters) that continuously rotates around the reference point(e.g., at a rate of 10 rotations per second). During a rotation, eachlaser transmitter in the bank may transmit a plurality of laser pulsesin a respective planar space, with each laser pulse having a respectiveangle about the LIDAR rotation axis. Each laser pulse transmitted by theLIDAR system may also have a non-planar, three-dimensional, conictransmission angle with the laser transmitter tilted relative to theLIDAR rotation axis. Other examples are possible as well.

FIG. 3 is rear view of an example LIDAR system operating in the vehicle30 as it is positioned on a road with a tree on a left side and abuilding on a right side. As shown, the example LIDAR system maytransmit laser pulses at a nearly continuous range of angles in a planeperpendicular to the travel direction of the vehicle 30. For purposes ofillustration,

FIG. 3 also highlights example laser pulses (a)-(k), which the exampleLIDAR system transmits at angles of 90°, 75°, 60°, 45°, 30°, 0, −30°,−45°, −60°, −75°, and −90° respectively.

For each laser pulse transmitted by a given laser transmitter, the LIDARsystem may then monitor whether the laser pulse is reflected back to theLIDAR system by a physical object within range of the LIDAR system. Inthis respect, if the LIDAR system detects a reflection of the laserpulse, the LIDAR system may measure attributes of the laser pulse'sreflection, such as a time between transmission of the laser pulse anddetection of the reflection and/or an intensity of the reflection. Basedon the time measurement, the LIDAR system may also calculate a distance(typically within a few centimeters) of an encountered physical objectrelative to the reference point. If the LIDAR system does not detect areflection of the laser pulse, however, the LIDAR system may considerall attributes of the laser pulse's reflection to be null (e.g., 0). Forexample, with reference to FIG. 3, the example LIDAR system maycalculate the distance of the building encountered by example laserpulses (a)-(c) as 10 meters, 10.7 meters, and 13.5 meters respectively,the distance of the tree encountered by the example laser pulses (j)-(k)as 10.3 meters and 10.5 meters respectively, and the distance of aphysical object encountered by the laser pulses (d)-(i) as 0 meters.

After monitoring for and determining attributes of the laser pulse'sreflection, the LIDAR system may generate range data representingattributes of the laser pulse. For example, the LIDAR system maygenerate a data record (or “entity” or “entry”) for the laser pulse thatincludes data indicating an identity of the laser transmitter from whichthe laser pulse originated, a rotation angle of the laser transmitterduring transmission of the laser pulse, a distance of a physical objectencountered by the laser pulse (if any), and/or an intensity of thelaser pulse's reflection (if any). Other examples are possible as well.

From each position of the vehicle 30, the LIDAR system may transmit andgenerate range data for a plurality of laser pulses with respectivetransmission angles relative to the LIDAR system. This range data, whichrepresents an area surrounding the vehicle 30, may then be processedalong with other data (e.g., position data for the vehicle 30, etc.) togenerate geographic data representing the geographic region 12. Forexample, a party may process range data indicating physical featuressurrounding the vehicle 30 (e.g., range data records that include anon-null distance value) to generate geographic data representingphysical features at various positions in the geographic region 12. Asanother example, as discussed below, a party may process range dataindicating a lack of physical features surrounding the vehicle 30 (e.g.,range data records that include a null distance value) to generategeographic data representing the visibility of the open sky at variouspositions in the geographic region 12. Other examples are possible aswell.

The video-capture system 36 may function to capture and generate videodata representing an area surrounding the vehicle 30. In this respect,the video-capture system 36 may continuously generate video data as thevehicle 30 travels along the road network 18. The video-capture system36 and the video data may take various forms. In one embodiment, thevideo-capture system 36 may take the form of a video camera withmultiple lenses of various orientations that is capable of capturing thearea surrounding the vehicle 30 in all directions, such as a Ladybug®3spherical digital video camera manufactured by Point Grey Research, Inc.In this respect, the video data may take the form of 360° panoramicvideo frames. As discussed below, a party may use the video data duringprocessing of the range data to generate geographic data representingthe visibility of the open sky at various positions in the geographicregion 12.

The positioning system 38 may function to track and generate positiondata representing a position of the vehicle 30. (It should beunderstood, however, that the position data for the vehicle mayalternatively be derived from the range data and/or the video data). Inthis respect, the positioning system 38 may continuously generateposition data as the vehicle 30 travels along the road network 18. Thepositioning system 38 may employ any technology now known or laterdeveloped, including GPS-type technology, dead reckoning-typetechnology, or a combination of these or other technologies, all ofwhich are known in the art. Further, the positioning system 38 mayinclude various components, including a GPS receiver, an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU), wheel-rotation sensors, steering-directionsensors, and/or any other device that enables tracking of the vehicle'sposition. Further yet, the position data may take various forms,including data indicating geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude,and altitude), direction, orientation, and/or speed of the vehicle 30for instance. In one example, the positioning system 38 may be part ofan IP-S2 system manufactured by Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. Asdiscussed below, a party may use the position data during processing ofthe range data to generate geographic data representing the visibilityof the open sky at various positions in the geographic region 12.

The communication interface 40 may function to communicatively couplethe data collection equipment 32 to one or more other devices. In thisrespect, the communication interface 40 may take the form of one or moreinterfaces that provide for wireless and/or wired communication withanother device, such as an Ethernet interface, a serial bus interfaces(e.g., Firewire, USB 2.0, etc.), a chipset and antenna adapted tofacilitate wireless communication according a desired protocol, or anyother such interfaces now known or later developed. Other configurationsare also possible.

The processor 42 may function to execute or interpret programinstructions (which may be arranged into an application) that enable theprocessor 42 to carry out various tasks, such as tasks related to thecollection of data about the geographic region 12 for instance. In thisrespect, the processor 42 may take the form of one or more processorcomponents, such as general-purpose processors (e.g., a microprocessor),application-specific processors (e.g., an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) or digital signal processor (DSP)),programmable logic devices (e.g., a field programmable gate array(FPGA)), or other processor components now known or later developed.Other configurations are possible as well.

The data storage 44 may function to store various types of programinstructions and data that can be read by the processor 42, such asapplications and data generated by the range-finding system 34, thevideo-capture system 36, and the positioning system 38, for instance. Inthis respect, the data storage 44 may take the form of one or more datastorage mediums, such as volatile data storage mediums (e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM), registers, and/or cache) and/or non-volatile datastorage mediums (e.g., read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, asolid state drive, flash memory, an optical storage device, and/or afloppy disk). Some data storage mediums may be integrated in whole or inpart with the processor 42. Further, some data storage mediums may beexternal to and/or removable from the data collection equipment 32, andmay interface with the data collection equipment 32 in various manners(e.g., via the communication interface 40, a drive, or a reader). Otherconfigurations are possible as well.

The data storage 44 may contain one or more applications that enable theprocessor 42 to perform various tasks related to the collection of dataabout the geographic region 12. The one or more applications may bestored in various components of the data storage 44. For example, theone or more applications may be stored in a non-volatile data storagemedium (e.g., a hard disk drive or a removable storage componentinstalled in a drive) and then loaded into a volatile data storagemedium (e.g., RAM) when operated on by the processor 42. Other examplesare possible as well. In one embodiment, the one or more applicationsmay be stored in a different data storage medium from the data generatedby the range-finding system 34, the video-capture system 36, and thepositioning system 38.

In one aspect, the data storage 44 may contain a control application 46that enables the processor 42 to control the range-finding system 34,the video-capture system 36, and/or the positioning system 38. Forexample, the processor 42 executing the control application 46 mayinitiate and cease data collection by the range-finding system 34, thevideo-capture system 36, and/or the positioning system 38. As anotherexample, the processor 42 executing the control application 46 mayadjust collection settings (e.g., collection rate) for the range-findingsystem 34, the video-capture system 36, and/or the positioning system38. Other examples are possible as well.

In another aspect, the data storage 44 may contain a data-gatheringapplication 48 that enables the processor 42 to obtain and store datafrom the range-finding system 34, the video-capture system 36, and/orthe positioning system 38. For example, the processor 42 executing thedata-gathering application 48 may receive data from the range-findingsystem 34, the video-capture system 36, and/or the positioning system38. As another example, the processor 42 executing the data-gatheringapplication 48 may store data from the range-finding system 34, thevideo-capture system 36, and/or the positioning system 38 (in eitherprocessed or unprocessed form) into the data storage 44. Other examplesare possible as well.

In yet another aspect, the data storage 44 may contain a data-processingapplication 50 that enables the processor 42 to process data obtainedfrom the range-finding system 34, the video-capture system 36, and/orthe positioning system 38. For example, the processor 42 executing thedata-processing application 50 may associate data generated by therange-finding system 34, the video-capture system 36, and/or thepositioning system 38 by applying capture timestamps to that data. Inanother example, the processor 42 executing the data-processingapplication 50 may organize data obtained from the range-finding system34, the video-capture system 36, and/or the positioning system 38 forstorage and/or transmission. Other examples are possible as well.

In a further aspect, the data storage 44 may contain a communicationapplication 52 that enables the processor 42 to communicate with otherdevices via the communication interface 40. In one example, theprocessor 42 executing the communication application 52 may receivemessages from another device via the communications interface 40, suchas messages that request range data, video data, and/or position data.In another example, the processor 42 executing the communicationapplication 52 may send messages to another device via thecommunications interface 40, such as messages that include range data,video data, and/or position data (in either processed or unprocessedform). Other examples are possible as well.

II. Generation of Geographic Data

Using the vehicle 30 described above (and/or another system), a partymay collect range data, video data, and position data for at least aportion of the geographic region 12. Once that collection is complete, aparty (e.g., the collecting party or another party) may use thecollected data to generate geographic data, potentially forincorporation into a geographic database and/or use by a navigationsystem. In this respect, the party may generate the geographic data on acomputing device, such as a personal computer or a server computer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device 60 configured togenerate geographic data, according to an example embodiment. As shown,the computing device 60 may include a user interface 62 and acommunication interface 64, each operatively coupled to a processor 66and data storage 68. The computing device 60 may include othercomponents as well.

The user interface 62 may function to facilitate user interaction withthe computing device 60, such as by allowing a user to input informationinto the computing device 60 and obtain information from the computingdevice 60. In this respect, the user interface 62 may include or provideconnectivity to various input components, such as a keyboard, a mouse,and/or a microphone for instance. The user interface 62 may also includeor provide connectivity to various output components, such as a displayscreen and/or a speaker for instance. The user interface 62 may includeor provide connectivity to other components for facilitating userinteraction with the computing device 60 as well.

The communication interface 64 may function to communicatively couplethe computing device 60 to one or more other devices, such as the datacollection equipment 32 and/or one or more navigation systems forinstance. In this respect, the communication interface 64 may take theform of one or more interfaces that provide for wireless and/or wiredcommunication with another device, such as an Ethernet interface, aserial bus interfaces (e.g., Firewire, USB 2.0, etc.), a chipset andantenna adapted to facilitate wireless communication according a desiredprotocol, or any other such interfaces now known or later developed.Other configurations are also possible.

The processor 66 may function to execute or interpret programinstructions (which may be arranged into an application) that enable theprocessor 66 to carry out various tasks, such as tasks related togenerating geographic data for instance. In this respect, the processor66 may take the form of one or more processor components, such asgeneral-purpose processors (e.g., a microprocessor),application-specific processors (e.g., an ASIC or DSP), programmablelogic devices (e.g., a FPGA), or other processor components now known orlater developed. Other configurations are possible as well.

The data storage 68 may function to store various types of programinstructions and data that can be read by the processor 66, such asapplications, data received from the data collection equipment 32, andgeographic data, for instance. In this respect, the data storage 68 maytake the form of one or more data storage mediums, such as volatile datastorage mediums (e.g., RAM, registers, and/or cache) and/or non-volatiledata storage mediums (e.g., ROM, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive,flash memory, an optical storage device, and/or a floppy disk). Somedata storage mediums may be integrated in whole or in part with theprocessor 66. Further, some data storage mediums may be external toand/or removable from the computing device 60, and may interface withthe computing device 60 in various manners (e.g., via the communicationinterface 64, a drive, or a reader). Other configurations are possibleas well.

The data storage 68 may contain one or more applications that enable theprocessor 66 to perform various tasks related to generating geographicdata. The one or more applications may be stored in various componentsof the data storage 68. For example, the one or more navigationapplications may be stored in a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g.,a hard disk drive or a removable storage component installed in a drive)and then loaded into a volatile data storage medium (e.g., RAM) whenoperated on by the processor 66. Other examples are possible as well.

In one aspect, the data storage 68 may contain a communicationapplication 72 that enables the processor 66 to communicate with otherdevices via the communication interface 64. In one example, theprocessor 66 executing the communication application 72 may receivemessages from another device via the communications interface 64, suchas messages from the data collection equipment 32 that include rangedata, video data, and position data or messages from navigation systemsthat request geographic data. In another example, the processor 66executing the communication application 72 may send messages to anotherdevice via the communications interface 64, such as messages to the datacollection equipment 32 that request range data, video data, andposition data or messages to navigation systems that include geographicdata. Other examples are possible as well.

In another aspect, the data storage 68 may contain aposition-association application 74 that enables the processor 66 toassociate range data and video data received from the data collectionequipment 32 with respective positions where the data collectionequipment 32 collected that data. The processor 66 executing theposition-association application 74 may perform the association invarious ways. In one example, the processor 66 executing theposition-association application 74 may first correlate the range dataand video data with the position data, such as by using capturetimestamps or sequencing and collection rates of the data. Thereafter,the processor 66 executing the position-association application 74 mayuse the position data and perhaps other data to determine the respectivepositions with which to associate the range data and video. Otherexamples are possible as well. As a result of the processor 66 executingthe position-association application 74, each range data record andvideo data record may include or link to a position identifier (e.g.,geographic coordinates and perhaps orientation).

The position-association application 74 may also enable the processor 66to transform the range data from a local coordinate system relative tothe range-finding system 34 to a world coordinate system. The processor66 executing the position-association application 74 may perform thetransformation in various manners. In one example, the processor 66executing the position-association application 74 may first determinethe three-dimensional transmission angle of each laser pulse relative tothe range-finding system 34 based on a static orientation of theoriginating laser transmitter and a rotation angle of the originatinglaser transmitter during transmission of the laser pulse. The processor66 executing the position-association application 74 may then determinethe three-dimensional transmission angle of the laser pulse in the worldcoordinate system based on the three-dimensional transmission angle ofthe laser pulse relative to the range-finding system 34, the orientationof the range-finding system 34 relative to the positioning system 38,and the orientation of the positioning system 38 in world coordinates asindicated by the associated position data. Other examples are possibleas well.

In yet another aspect, the data storage 68 may contain an open sky dataapplication 76 that enables the processor 66 to generate and store datarepresenting open sky in the geographical area 12. The processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may perform the open sky datageneration in various ways.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method 80 of generating open skydata, according to an example embodiment. For purposes of illustration,the following description will assume that the processor 66 carries outthe method 80 while executing the open sky data application 76. Further,the following description will assume that the computing device 60and/or another device (e.g., the data collection equipment 32) havepreviously performed position-association on the data collected by thedata collection equipment 32.

At block 82, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may first obtain range data associated with a given position of thegeographic region 12, such as by accessing the data storage 68 and/orreceiving the range data from the data collection equipment 32 via thecommunication interface 64. For example, the processor 66 executing theopen sky data application 76 may obtain range data associated with theposition of the vehicle 30 in FIG. 3. The obtained range data mayinclude multiple range data records (or “entities” or “entries”), eachrepresenting attributes of a respective pulse transmitted by therange-finding device 34 at the given position. In turn, each range datarecord may include at least data values indicating an orientation of thepulse and a distance of a physical object encountered by the pulse (ifany) relative to a reference point.

In one example, the obtained range data may include all range datarecords associated with the given position. In another example, theobtained range data may include only range data records associated withthe given position that include null distance values, or only range datarecords associated with the given position that include non-nulldistance values. In either case, because the range-finding system'stransmitters may have rotated multiple times while at the givenposition, the obtained range data may include range data records for aplurality of pulses having the same transmission angle. Other examplesare possible as well.

At block 84, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may determine the transmission angles at which pulses transmitted fromthe given position did not encounter a physical object. The processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may perform thisdetermination in various manners.

In one aspect, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application76 may perform this determination based on the obtained range data forpulses transmitted at the given position that did not encounter aphysical object. In this respect, if necessary, the processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may first analyze theobtained range data to identify pulses transmitted at the given positionthat did not encounter a physical object. For example, the processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may: (a) analyze the datavalue indicating a distance of a physical object encountered by eachpulse transmitted at the given position; and (b) if this data value is anull (e.g., 0), identify the pulse as one that did not encounter aphysical object. Other examples are possible as well.

The processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 may thendetermine transmission angles of the pulses transmitted at the givenposition that did not encounter a physical object. For example, theprocessor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 may access thedata value indicating the transmission angle of each pulse transmittedat the given position that did not encounter a physical object. Otherexamples are possible as well. With reference to FIG. 3, the processor66 executing the open sky data application 76 may determine that pulses(d)-(i) with angles of 45°, 30°, 0°, −30°, −45°, and −60° respectivelywithin a plane perpendicular to the travel direction of the vehicle 30did not encounter a physical object.

In another aspect, the processor 66 executing the open sky dataapplication 76 may perform this determination based on the obtainedrange data for pulses transmitted at the given position that encountereda physical object. In this respect, if necessary, the processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may first analyze theobtained range data to identify pulses transmitted at the given positionthat encountered a physical object. For example, the processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may: (a) analyze the datavalue indicating a distance of a physical object encountered by eachpulse transmitted at the given position; and (b) if this data value isanything other than a null, identify the pulse as one that encountered aphysical object. Other examples are possible as well.

The processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 may thenanalyze the obtained range data for the pulses transmitted at the givenposition that encountered a physical object, to identify gaps in thetransmission angles of these pulses. In turn, the processor 66 executingthe open sky data application 76 may determine that the transmissionangles within the identified gaps are transmission angles of pulsestransmitted at the given position that did not encounter a physicalobject. The processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 mayperform this determination in other manners as well.

In yet another aspect, the processor 66 executing the open sky dataapplication 76 may perform this determination based on both the obtainedrange data for pulses transmitted at the given position that did notencounter a physical object and the obtained range data for pulsestransmitted at the given position that encountered a physical object. Inthis respect, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application76 may first organize the range data based on transmission angle, suchthat the obtained range data associated with each representedtransmission angle is grouped together. The processor 66 executing theopen sky data application 76 may then analyze the obtained range datafor each represented transmission angle, to determine a number of pulseshaving a transmission angle that did not encounter a physical object anda number of pulses having transmission angle that encountered a physicalobject. Based on this analysis, the processor 66 executing the open skydata application 76 may determine whether the transmission angles areones at which none, some, or all pulses encountered a physical object.

For example, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may identify a transmission angle at which 75% or more of pulses did notencounter a physical object as one at which pulses did not encounter aphysical object. As another example, the processor 66 executing the opensky data application 76 may identify a transmission angle at which 75%or more of pulses encountered a physical object as one at which pulsesencountered a physical object. As still another example, the processor66 executing the open sky data application 76 may identify atransmission angle at which 25-75% of pulses encountered a physicalobject as one at which pulses occasionally encountered a physicalobject.

At block 86, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may use the determined transmission angles of the pulses that did notencounter a physical object (and perhaps the determined transmissionangles of the pulses that occasionally encountered a physical object) todetermine visibility of open sky at the given position. In one aspect,the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 maydetermine that each transmission angle at which a pulse did notencounter a physical object is an angle at which the open sky is fullyvisible.

For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the processor 66 executing theopen sky data application 76 may determine that the open sky is visibleat angles of 45°, 30°, 0°, −30°, −45°, and −60° within a plane that isperpendicular to the travel direction of the vehicle 30. In anotheraspect, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 maydetermine that each transmission angle at which a pulse occasionallyencountered a physical object is an angle at which the open sky ispartially visible. The processor 66 executing the open sky dataapplication 76 may determine visibility of open sky at the givenposition in other manners as well.

At block 88, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may use the video data associated with the given position to verify thedetermined visibility of open sky at the given position. In thisrespect, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 mayperform the verification using any technique now known or laterdeveloped. Further, block 88 is depicted in dashed lines to show thatthe processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 may performthe verification optionally. In one aspect, the processor 66 executingthe open sky data application 76 may perform the verification forpositions at which physical features outside a range of therange-finding system 34 may obscure visibility of open sky (e.g.,positions surrounded by tall buildings). The processor 66 executing theopen sky data application 76 may perform the verification in othercircumstances as well.

At block 90, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may generate data representing the determined visibility of the open skyat the given position. In one aspect, the data representing thedetermined visibility of the open sky at the given position may includea value for each angle at which the open sky is visible from the givenposition. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the data representingthe determined visibility of the open sky at the given position mayinclude angle values of 45°, 30°, 0°, −30°, −45°, and −60°.

In another aspect, to reduce the required data storage space for theopen sky data, the data representing the determined visibility of theopen sky at the given position may include data indicating one or moreranges of angles at which the open sky is visible from the givenposition. The data indicating each range may include two angle values,each defining one end of the range of angles at which the open sky isvisible from the given position. For example, with reference to FIG. 3,the data representing the determined visibility of the open sky at thegiven position may include a range defined by angle values of 45° and−60°.

In yet another aspect, the data representing the determined visibilityof the open sky at the given position may include data indicating adistance of a physical object at each edge of an open sky angle range.For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the data representing thedetermined visibility of the open sky at the given position may includea distance of the building at an angle of 44.9° and a distance of thetree at an angle of −60.1°.

In still another aspect, the data representing the determined visibilityof the open sky at the given position may include data indicating avisibility rating associated with the angles at which the open sky isvisible from the given position. For example, for angles at which theopen sky is determined to be only partially visible, the datarepresenting the determined visibility of the open sky may include arating of that partial visibility. The data representing the determinedvisibility of the open sky at the given position may take other forms aswell.

At block 92, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may store the data representing the visibility of the open sky at thegiven position into the data storage 68. In one aspect, the processor 66executing the open sky data application 76 may store the datarepresenting the visibility of the open sky at the given position in anopen sky data record that also contains an identifier of the givenposition. The processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may store the data representing the visibility of the open sky at thegiven position in other manners as well.

After generating and storing the open sky data for the given position,the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 may repeatthe above process for various other positions in the geographic region12, which may be selected according to various criteria. In one aspect,the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 may generateand store open sky data for all positions at which data was collected.In another aspect, to reduce the required data storage space for theopen sky data, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application76 may generate and/or store open sky data for less than all positionsat which data was collected.

For example, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76may generate and store open sky data for specific positions on the roadnetwork 18, such as at each node 22 and positions at predefineddistances along road segments 20 (e.g., every 5 meters). As anotherexample, the processor 66 executing the open sky data application 76 maygenerate open sky data for all positions on the road network 18 at whichdata was collected, but may only store open sky data for positions atwhich the open sky data indicates a significant change in visibility ofthe open sky (e.g., a change of 5° in one of the end point angles of thevisibility range). The processor 66 executing the open sky dataapplication 76 may employ similar selection criteria for positions offthe road network 18 (e.g., pedestrian pathways). Other examples arepossible as well.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the processor 66 executing the open sky dataapplication 76 may also perform the open sky data generation in otherways. For example, the processor 66 executing the open sky dataapplication 76 may generate the open sky data based on GPS signalstrengths collected by the data collection equipment 32 (e.g., via thepositioning system 28). Other examples are possible as well.

After the computing device 60 generates and stores the open sky data,the open sky data may be used for various purposes. In one example, asdescribed below, the open sky data may be incorporated into a geographicdatabase. In another example, as described below, the open sky data maybe used to provide users with navigation-related functions and features.In yet another example, the open sky data may be used to improve mapgeneration (e.g., by identifying a location of an overpass). In stillanother example, the open sky data may be used to identify potentiallocations for solar cell collectors. Many other examples are possible aswell.

The data storage 68 may contain other applications as well. For example,the data storage 68 may contain a road-network data application thatenables the processor 66 to generate and store data representing theroad network 18 in the geographic region 12. In another example, thedata storage 68 may contain a points-of-interest data application thatenables the processor 66 to generate and store data representing datarepresenting points of interest surrounding the road network 18 in thegeographic region 12, such as businesses and facilities. In stillanother example, the data storage 68 may contain a pedestrian pathwaydata application that enables the processor 66 to generate and storedata representing sidewalks, bike paths, etc. Other examples arepossible as well.

III. Geographic Database

As described above, the geographic data generated by the computingdevice 60 may be incorporated into a geographic database. FIG. 6 depictsa geographic database 100, according to an example embodiment. Thegeographic database 100 may be maintained in one or more data storagemediums, such as data storage of a computing device similar to thecomputing device 60 described above. As shown, the geographic database100 may contain data 102 that represents geographic features in thegeographic region 12.

In one aspect, the geographic database 100 may contain data thatrepresents the road network 18. For example, as shown, the geographicdatabase 100 may contain at least one road segment database record 104(also referred to as “entity” or “entry”) for each road segment 20 inthe geographic region 12. As another example, the geographic database100 may contain a node database record 106 (or “entity” or “entry”) foreach node 22 in the geographic region 12. The terms “nodes” and“segments” represent only one terminology for describing these physicalgeographic features, and other terminology for describing these featuresis intended to be encompassed within the scope of these concepts.

FIG. 7 shows some of the components of a road segment data record 104contained in the geographic database 100, according to an exampleembodiment. As shown, the road segment data record 104 may include or beassociated with a segment ID 104(1) by which the data record can beidentified in the geographic database 100 and data that indicatesattributes of the represented road segment. The various attributes of aroad segment may be included in a single road segment data record, ormay be included in more than one type of road segment data record thatcross-reference each other.

The data indicating the attributes of the represented road segment maytake various forms. In one example, the road segment data record 104 mayinclude or be associated with data 104(2) that indicates therestrictions, if any, on the direction of vehicular travel permitted onthe represented road segment. In another example, the road segment datarecord 104 may include or be associated with data 104(3) that indicatesa speed limit or speed category (i.e., the maximum permitted vehicularspeed of travel) on the represented road segment. In yet anotherexample, the road segment data record 104 may include or be associatedwith data 104(4) indicating a classification of the represented roadsegment, such as whether the represented road segment is part of acontrolled access road (e.g., an expressway), a ramp to a controlledaccess road, a bridge, a tunnel, a toll road, a ferry, and so on. Instill another example, the road segment data record 104 may include orbe associated with data 104(5) identifying endpoints (e.g., geographiccoordinates) of the represented road segment. In this respect, the data104(5) may include a link to node data records 106 that represent theendpoint nodes of the represented road segment. Further, the data 104(5)may identify one endpoint as a reference node. In a further example, theroad segment data record 104 may include or be associated with otherdata 104(6) that indicates other attributes of the represented roadsegment. Other examples are possible as well.

FIG. 7 also shows some of the components of a node data record 106contained in the geographic database 100, according to an exampleembodiment. In one example, the node data record 106 may include or beassociated with data identifying the represented node, such as data106(1) that provides the geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude andlongitude) of the represented node. In another example, the node datarecord 106 may include or be associated with data 106(2) identifyingeach road segment connected to the represented node. In yet anotherexample, the node data record 106 may include or be associated withother data 106(3) that indicates other attributes of the representednode. Other examples are possible as well.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the geographic database 100 may also includeother data records 108 that represent other kinds of geographic featuresor anything else in the geographic region 12. For example, the otherdata records 108 may include point-of-interest data records that eachcontain data indicating attributes of a represented point of interest,such as a type (e.g., restaurant, hotel, city hall, police station,historical marker, ATM, golf course, etc.), a location, a phone number,and/or hours of operation of the represented point of interest. Asanother example, the other data records 108 may includepedestrian-pathway segment and node data records that are similar to theroad segment and node data records. Other examples are possible as well.

The geographic database 100 may additionally include indexes 110. Theindexes 110 may include various types of indexes that associatedifferent types of data contained in the geographic database 100 to eachother or that associate to other aspects of the data contained in thegeographic database 100. For example, the indexes 110 may associate nodedata records 106 with road segment data records 104. As another example,the indexes 110 may associate point of interest data records in theother data records 108 with road segment data records 104 and/or nodedata records 106. Other examples are possible as well.

The open sky data generated by the computing device 60 may also beincorporated into the geographic database 100 and associated with thegeographic data 102 in various manners. In one aspect, the geographicdatabase 100 may maintain the open sky data in the other data records108. For example, the other data records 108 may include one or moreopen sky data records, each containing an identifier of a position(e.g., a segment ID and percentage from the segment's reference node)and data indicating the visibility of open sky (e.g., a range of anglesat which the open sky is visible) at the represented position. One suchdata record 108 is shown in Table 1 and depicted visually in FIG. 8.

TABLE 1 Segment % From ID Ref Node Min Angle Max Angle 264098830  0% −9090 264098830 20% −45 90 264098830 40% −40 45 264098830 60% −45 35264098830 80% −20 90 264098830 90% −90 90The open sky data records in the other data records 108 may then beassociated with related road segment data records 104, node data records106, and/or other data records 108 (e.g., point-of-interest datarecords, pedestrian-pathway data records, etc.) in various manners, suchas via the indexes 110 and/or links in the records themselves.

In another aspect, the geographic database 100 may maintain the open skydata in the road segment data records 104. For example, the other data104(6) in a road segment data record 104 may contain data indicating thevisibility of open sky (e.g., a range of angles at which the open sky isvisible) at one or more positions along the represented road segment 20.Other examples are possible as well.

The geographic data 102 may also be organized in the geographic database100 in various manners. In one example, the geographic data 102 may beorganized into different subsets or types of data that relate todifferent navigation-related functions, such as routing data,cartographic data (for map display), maneuver data, points-of-interestdata, and open sky data. In another example, the geographic data 102 maybe organized into different layers that relate to different levels ofdetail. In yet another example, the geographic data 102 may be organizedto facilitate spatial access. Other examples are possible as well.

IV. Navigation System

As described above, the geographic data generated by the computingdevice 60 and stored in geographic database may also be used by anavigation system to provide users with navigation-related functions andfeatures. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a navigation system 120,according to an example embodiment. The navigation system 120 may beassociated with a computing platform 122, such as a vehicle-installedcomputing device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobiletelephone, a personal computer, or another computing device. Thenavigation system 120 is a combination of hardware and softwarecomponents. As shown, the navigation system 120 may include a userinterface 124, a communication interface 126, and a positioning system128, each operatively coupled to a processor 130 and data storage 132.The navigation system 120 may include other components as well.

The user interface 124 may function to facilitate user interaction withthe navigation system 120, such as by allowing a user to inputinformation into the navigation system 120 and obtain information fromthe navigation system 120. In this respect, the user interface 124 mayinclude or provide connectivity to various input components, such as atouch screen and/or a microphone for instance. The user interface 124may also include or provide connectivity to various output components,such as a display screen and/or a speaker for instance. The userinterface 124 may include or provide connectivity to other componentsfor facilitating user interaction with the navigation system 120 aswell.

The communication interface 126 may function to communicatively couplethe navigation system 120 to one or more other devices, such as a devicemaintaining the geographic database 100. In this respect, thecommunication interface 126 may take the form of one or more interfacesthat provide for wireless and/or wired communication with anotherdevice, such as an Ethernet interface, a serial bus interfaces (e.g.,Firewire, USB 2.0, etc.), a chipset and antenna adapted to facilitatewireless communication according a desired protocol, or any other suchinterfaces now known or later developed. Other configurations are alsopossible.

The positioning system 128 may function to track and generate positiondata representing a position of the computing platform 122. In thisrespect, the positioning system 128 may employ any technology now knownor later developed, including GPS-type technology, dead reckoning-typetechnology, or a combination of these or other technologies, all ofwhich are known in the art. Further, the positioning system 128 mayinclude various components, including a GPS receiver, an IMU, and/or anyother device that enables tracking of the computing platform's position.Further yet, the position data may take various forms, including dataindicating geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude),direction, orientation, and/or speed of the computing platform 122 forinstance.

The processor 130 may function to execute or interpret programinstructions (which may be arranged into an application) that enable theprocessor 130 to carry out various tasks, including tasks related toproviding navigation-related functions and features. In this respect,the processor 66 may take the form of one or more processor components,such as general-purpose processors (e.g., a microprocessor),application-specific processors (e.g., an ASIC or DSP), programmablelogic devices (e.g., a FPGA), or other processor components now known orlater developed. Other configurations are possible as well.

The data storage 132 may function to store various types of programinstructions and data that can be read by the processor 130, such asapplications, geographic data, and/or data from the user interface 124,the communication interface 126, and/or the positioning system 128. Inthis respect, the data storage 132 may take the form of one or more datastorage mediums, such as volatile data storage mediums (e.g., RAM,registers, and/or cache) and/or non-volatile data storage mediums (e.g.,ROM, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, flash memory, an opticalstorage device, and/or a floppy disk). Some data storage mediums may beintegrated in whole or in part with the processor 130. Further, somedata storage mediums may be external to and/or removable from thenavigation system 120, and may interface with the navigation system 120in various manners (e.g., via the communication interface 126, a drive,or a reader). Other configurations are possible as well.

The data storage 132 may contain a geographic database 134, which may begenerated from the geographic database 100 described above. Thegeographic database 134 may be in various formats, such as a graphicaldata file (GDF) or a standard interchange format (SIF). In oneembodiment, the geographic database 134 may be a geographic databasepublished by NAVTEQ North America, LLC of Chicago, Ill. The geographicdatabase 134 may be stored in various components of the data storage132. For example, the geographic database 134 may be stored in anon-volatile data storage medium (e.g., a hard disk drive or a removablestorage component installed in a drive) and then loaded into a volatiledata storage medium (e.g., RAM) when operated on by the processor 130.Other examples are possible as well. In an alternative aspect, thegeographic database 134 may be stored remotely from the navigationsystem 120, in which case the navigation system 120 may access thegeographic database 134 via the communication interface 126. Otherexamples are possible as well.

The data storage 132 may contain one or more applications that enablethe processor 130 to perform various tasks related to providingnavigation-related features and functions to a user. When executing theone or more applications, the processor 130 may use data from thegeographic database 134 and perhaps data from the user interface 124,the communication interface 126, and/or the positioning system 128. Theone or more applications may be stored in various components of the datastorage 132. For example, the one or more applications may be stored ina non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., a hard disk drive or aremovable storage component installed in a drive) and then loaded into avolatile data storage medium (e.g., RAM) when operated on by theprocessor 130. Other examples are possible as well.

In one aspect, the data storage 132 may contain a map displayapplication 136 that enables the processor 130 to display a map of thegeographic region 12 (or a portion thereof) to a user. In conjunctionwith the display application 136, the data storage 132 may also containa positioning application 138 that enables the processor 130 to displaythe computing platform's current position on a map.

In another aspect, the data storage 132 may contain a route calculationapplication 140 that enables the processor 130 to determine a route froman origin to a destination. For example, the processor 130 executing theroute calculation 138 may determine a route from the computingplatform's current position as determined via the positioning system 128to a position input by a user via the user interface 124. Other examplesare possible as well. In conjunction with the route calculationapplication 140, the data storage 132 may also contain a route guidanceapplication 142 that enables the processor to provide a user withdetailed directions for reaching the destination.

In yet another aspect, the data storage 132 may contain an open skyapplication 144 that enables the processor 130 to use the open sky datafor various purposes. For example, the processor 130 executing the opensky application 144 may use the open sky data to identify positionshaving good or bad visibility of the open sky. In this respect, theprocessor 130 executing the open sky application 144 may also provide auser with an identification of the positions having good or badvisibility via the user interface 124.

In another example, the processor 130 executing the open sky application144 may use the open sky data and perhaps other data (position data,date/time, and/or GPS satellite information) to determine GPS signalavailability information for various positions, such as the computingplatform's current position and potential future positions. Forinstance, the processor 130 executing the open sky application 144 maydetermine which GPS satellites are currently visible and where thosesatellites will become obstructed; which GPS satellites are currentlyobstructed and where those satellites will become visible; where GPSsignals will be completely unavailable; and where GPS signals willexperience multi-path errors. Using this information, the processor 130executing the open sky application 144 may anticipate and perhapscompensate for a loss or degradation of GPS signals. The processor 130executing the open sky application 144 may also provide a user with GPSsignal availability information via the user interface 124.

In a similar example, the processor 130 executing the open skyapplication 144 may use the open sky data and perhaps other data(position data, date/time, and/or radio antenna information) todetermine radio signal availability information for various positions,such as the computing platform's current position and potential futurepositions. For instance, the processor 130 executing the open skyapplication 144 may determine which radio antennas are currently visibleand where those antennas will become obstructed; which radio antennasare currently obstructed and where those antennas will become visible;where radio signals will be completely unavailable; and where radiosignals will experience multi-path errors. Using this information, theprocessor 130 executing the open sky application 144 may anticipate andperhaps compensate for a loss or degradation of radio signals. Theprocessor 130 executing the open sky application 144 may also provide auser with radio signal availability information via the user interface124.

In another example, the processor 130 executing the open sky application144 may use the open sky data and perhaps other data (e.g., positiondata, date/time) to determine exposure to weather conditions (e.g., sun,rain, snow) at various positions, such as the computing platform'scurrent position and potential future positions. Using this information,the processor 130 executing the open sky application 144 may provide auser with an identification of (and perhaps directions to) positionsthat are exposed to or sheltered from a given weather condition, both onand off the road network 18. For instance, the processor 130 executingthe open sky application 144 may provide a user with an identificationof a parking location that is sheltered from weather conditions.Additionally, using this information, the processor 130 executing theopen sky application 144 may also identify positions at which sun glaremay affect drivers.

As described above, the processor 130 executing the open sky application144 may use the open sky data for various purposes, such as providing anavigation system user with information regarding visibility, GPS orradio signal strength, and sun glare. The processor 130 may execute themap display application 136, the route calculation application 140,and/or the route guidance application 142 in conjunction with the opensky application 144. As a result, the processor 130 may providenavigation guidance to the user that allows the users to select andobtain guidance for traveling a route based on open sky data. Forexample, the user may select a route that has the best GPS signalavailability or avoid a route with limited visibility.

In a related example, the processor 130 executing the open skyapplication 144 may use the open sky data and perhaps other data (e.g.,position data, date/time) to predict solar energy at various positions,such as the computing platform's current position and potential futurepositions. Using this information, the processor 130 executing the opensky application 144 may provide improved route guidance to solar poweredcars. Other examples are possible as well.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that thefollowing claims including all equivalents are intended to define thescope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to thedescribed order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, allembodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

I claim:
 1. A system comprising: a processor; data storage that isoperatively coupled to the processor; and open sky data entities storedin the data storage and accessible by the processor, wherein each opensky data entity represents a visibility rating of open sky at arespective position.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:road-network data entities stored in the data storage and accessible bythe processor, wherein each road-network data entity represents a roadnetwork at a respective position, and wherein the open sky data entitiesand the road-network data entities are associated based on position. 3.The system of claim 1, further comprising: a points-of-interest dataapplication in the data storage and accessible by the processor, whereinthe points-of-interest data application enables the processor togenerate and store data representing points of interest surrounding aroad network in a geographic region.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a pedestrian pathway data application in the data storageand accessible by the processor, wherein the pedestrian pathway dataapplication enables the processor to generate and store datarepresenting sidewalks, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a control application in the datastorage and accessible by the processor, wherein the control applicationenables the processor to control a range-finding system, a video-capturesystem, and a positioning system.
 6. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: program instructions stored in the data storage andexecutable by the processor for using the open sky data entities todetermine an availability of a signal at one or more positions.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the signal is a global positioning system(GPS) signal.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the signal is a radiosignal.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: programinstructions stored in the data storage and executable by the processorfor using the open sky data entities to determine a route at one or morepositions.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the route is determinedbased on exposure to weather conditions.
 11. The system of claim 9,wherein the route is determined based on availability of solar energy.12. The system of claim 9, wherein the route is determined based onaccess to covered parking locations.
 13. The system of claim 9, whereinthe route is determined based on open sky exposure for bike paths orpedestrian walkways.
 14. An apparatus comprising: at least oneprocessor; and at least one memory including computer program code forone or more programs; the at least one memory and the computer programcode configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatusto at least perform: accessing open sky data entities stored in the datastorage and accessible by the processor, receiving position data;identifying a visibility rating of each open sky data entityrepresenting visibility of open sky at a respective position for thelocation data; and providing data representing the visibility of opensky at the respective position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, whereinthe computer program code is configured to cause the apparatus to atleast perform: determining an availability of a signal based the opensky data entities.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the computerprogram code is configured to cause the apparatus to at least perform:determining a route based the open sky data entities.
 17. Anon-transitory computer readable medium having data stored thereon, thedata comprising: identifying open sky data entities each representingvisibility of open sky at a respective position; processing geographicdata entities each representing a geographic feature at a respectiveposition; and associating the open sky data entities and the geographicdata entities based on position.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 17 further comprising: determining anavailability of a signal based on the open sky data entities.
 19. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18 wherein the signalis a global positioning system (GPS) signal.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 17, further comprising: determining aroute based on the open sky data entities.